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Alkaline Vs Copper Water Purifier: Which is better?

Urvashi Chakravarty

June 14, 2024

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With the rising demand for purified drinking water, alkaline and copper water purifiers have emerged as popular options. But what exactly sets them apart? While alkaline purifiers boost pH for improved hydration, copper variants utilize antimicrobial properties to eliminate bacteria. With alkaline costing over ₹17,000 and copper under ₹14,000, maintenance is a notable contrast—alkaline cartridges require yearly replacement at ₹500-1000, whereas copper cartridges last 6 months to 1 year for just ₹300-500. Understanding these key differences allows consumers to make the optimal choice for their health and budget. Let’s find out.

Key Differences Alkaline and Copper Water Purifier

Exploring the Role of RO Technology in Copper and Alkaline Water Purifiers

Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology plays a crucial role in both copper and alkaline water purifiers. This technology is essential in alkaline water purifiers as it removes TDS, which is then replenished with essential minerals to create alkaline water.

In copper water purifiers, RO technology is used in combination with other filtration methods like UV and UF to remove impurities and add copper ions to the water. For example, the Aquaguard Aura RO+UV+UF+Taste Adjuster (MTDS) Water Purifier uses an Active Copper RO Membrane and a booster pump to provide 15 to 20 liters of pure water per hour. 

Similarly, the KENT Supreme Alkaline System uses a RO + UV + UF + Alkaline + TDS Control + UV LED Tank to purify water and generate small molecules of water, stimulating nutrient absorption and metabolism.

Is reverse osmosis water more acidic or alkaline?

Reverse osmosis (RO) water is not alkaline, but rather neutral with a pH of 7. This is because the filtration process removes more than 99% of contaminants, including minerals that contribute to alkalinity. In fact, RO water is nearly pure water, which is very hungry and readily absorbs CO2 from the air, causing it to drop to an acidic pH range of 5-5.5 within an hour. 

This is due to the chemical reaction between water and CO2: H2O + CO2 = H2CO3, resulting in a solution of carbonic acid (Source: 123filter.com). The purer the source of water, the more CO2 it can absorb, and the more acidic it will become. In contrast, alkaline water has a pH greater than 7, which is achieved by adding calcium and other minerals to neutral water.

Do copper and zinc make water alkaline?

Copper and zinc in water purification systems can make water alkaline. This process involves the infusion of copper and zinc ions into the water, which helps to neutralize acidity and increase the pH level. According to IS 10500:2012 drinking water specifications, the ideal balance of copper and zinc is crucial for maintaining water quality and safety (Source: eurekaforbes.com).  For Example, the Aquadpure Bio Copper Zinc Alkaline Filter Purification with RO + UV + Taste Adjuster + UF water purifier uses a 12-stage filtration process that removes dissolved impurities.

In what ways can alkaline and copper water benefit consumers?

Alkaline and copper water offer numerous benefits to user, both are well known for good health and well-being. Alkaline water, with its higher pH level, can improve bone health by reducing bone resorption and increasing mineral density (Source: quenchwater.com). 

It also soothes acid reflux by killing pepsin, an enzyme involved in breaking down food proteins. Additionally, alkaline water can reduce high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, as well as enhance hydration and offer antioxidant properties. Furthermore, it may even increase longevity by reducing oxidative stress and promoting cellular health.

Copper water, on the other hand, has been linked to several health benefits. Drinking water stored in copper bottles can stimulate the brain, improve immunity, and enhance bone strength (Source: nutristar.co.in). It also helps in relieving pains, and fortifying the digestive system. Copper water has been shown to kill unwanted microorganisms, neutralize poisons, and prevent the spread of water-borne infections.

Consuming alkaline and copper water can have significant health benefits. For instance, a study found that drinking alkaline water reduced blood viscosity, which may help reduce cardiovascular strain due to dehydration. Similarly, copper water has been linked to improved cognitive function and enhanced memory

Can I use a copper vessel instead of a copper water purifier?

Using a copper vessel instead of a copper water purifier is a viable option, but it has its limitations. Copper vessels have been used for centuries to purify water, and their antimicrobial properties are well-documented.

In fact, studies have shown that copper can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi within two hours of exposure (Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). However, traditional copper vessels require eight hours of exposure to achieve optimal purification, which may not be practical for modern lifestyles.

Copper water purifiers, on the other hand, can infuse copper ions into the water in real-time, making them more convenient and efficient. These purifiers also come with advanced dosing features, ensuring the correct amount of copper is added to the water each time (Source: pharmeasy.in). 

Also, copper water purifiers can be combined with other purification processes like RO and UV to provide a comprehensive and effective water purification system.

Alkaline Or Copper: Which is more suitable for hard water areas?

When it comes to hard water areas, the choice between alkaline and copper water purifiers is crucial. Hard water, characterized by high levels of calcium and magnesium, can significantly impact the effectiveness of these purifiers.

Alkaline water purifiers, which raise the pH level of water, may struggle to neutralize the acidity caused by hard water. In contrast, copper water purifiers, which infuse water with copper ions, can potentially neutralize impurities and antimicrobial properties.

According to a study conducted by Development Alternatives, hardness levels exceeded 700 mg/l in Sukher, Udaipur, and reached nearly 1800 mg/l in an open well in Masjid Elite, Jhansi (Source: devalt.org) . In Delhi, fluoride content in ground water in Rithala Village was recorded as high as 6.39 mg/l, while nitrate values above 100 mg/l were found in several areas.

The prevalence of water-borne diseases among the elderly is higher in rural areas (22.5%) compared to urban areas (12.2%), with a significant difference of 10.2 percentage points. Chhattisgarh had the highest prevalence of water-borne diseases among the elderly at 36.9%, followed by Mizoram (35%), Haryana (34.6%), and Bihar (34%) (Source: bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com).

In rural areas, the prevalence of water-borne diseases was highest in Chhattisgarh (38.5%), Madhya Pradesh (36%), Haryana (35.2%), and Rajasthan (34.9%). In urban areas, Bihar had the highest prevalence at 36.3%, followed by Mizoram (36.1%), Himachal Pradesh (32.9%), and Haryana (32.4%) (Source: researchtrend.net).

A study in Kerala found that the concentrations of calcium and magnesium in drinking water from household open wells ranged from 5-95 mg/l and 0-77.5 mg/l, respectively. While most sites had levels within the BIS guidelines, 4% of the samples exceeded the desirable limit for magnesium in Ernakulam, Palakkad, and Kannur districts.

For hard water areas, copper water purifiers may be more suitable due to their ability to neutralize impurities and antimicrobial properties. Copper has been known to possess antibacterial properties, making it effective in reducing the presence of harmful microbes. Additionally, copper purifiers do not significantly alter the pH level of water, which is beneficial in hard water areas where acidity can be a concern.

Do copper and alkaline water purification systems have equivalent features?

While alkaline and copper water purifiers share the common goal of providing clean and healthy drinking water, they differ in their purification mechanisms and the specific benefits they offer.

Alkaline water purifiers use ionization to increase the pH level of water, typically between 8.5 and 9, and add essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This process is believed to neutralize acidity, improve hydration, and support weight loss. 

In contrast, copper water purifiers leverage the natural antimicrobial properties of copper to kill harmful bacteria and prevent microbial growth. This approach is thought to boost immunity, aid digestion, and promote skin health.

In terms of purification technology, both types of purifiers may incorporate advanced methods like RO, UV, and UF to remove contaminants. 

However, alkaline purifiers often use these techniques in conjunction with pH adjustment, while copper purifiers may use them to complement copper’s health-enhancing attributes. 

A comparison of prices shows that alkaline water purifiers can be relatively expensive, with high-end models costing around ₹14,000, while copper water purifiers are generally more affordable. 

For example, the Kent Supreme Copper RO Water Purifier costs around ₹18,000, while the Livpure Envy Alkaline Water Purifier is priced at ₹ 15,000.

This analysis helps show the difference between alkaline and copper water purifier.

Maintenance, Filter Replacement comparison

Maintenance is key for your water purifier. It includes regular checks and changing filters to work best. The cost of changing filters differs between alkaline and copper purifiers. Alkaline filters may need replacing more often based on your water use and quality. This could make maintenance pricier.

Here’s a table comparing the estimated annual maintenance costs of RO with Alkaline and RO with Copper water purifiers:

Copper purifiers usually have filters that last longer. They might need special care for the copper parts, though. The life span of a purifier is all about good maintenance and quality parts.